Japanese princess to officially give up her royal title to marry a commoner

The 25-year-old first met her beau five years ago during a study-abroad program in Shibuya.

Princess Mako fell for legal assistant Kei Komura not just for his bright smiles but for his big heart as well. While the pair went to different countries abroad to pursue their studies, they still kept their long distance relationship alive.

Komura, who is also 25, certainly shared the same sentiments with the princess since he not only proposed to her back in 2013, but also vowed to have a “relaxed and peaceful” home with her.

Now, the Japanese princess is looking forward to having a family that she described as one that’s “filled with smiles.” However, the couple’s marriage could endanger the lineage of the royal Japanese family. This could spell trouble for the royal bloodline given Japan’s existing laws which only permits men in retaining their royal title after marrying a commoner. Crown Prince Naruhito is the heir to emperor Akihito’s throne, but he has no sons to pass the royal succession to. On the other hand, Prince Naruhito’s younger brother, Akishino, can also become the successor to the throne but he only has one son, Princess Mako’s 10-year-old brother, Hisahito. If Hisahito fails to find a suitable mate or if he fails to produce a male child, then this would certainly mark the end of the royal Japanese family’s lineage. Japan’s current laws are often criticised for not allowing women to retain their royal status after marrying a commoner, since this could put an end to a royal lineage that has lasted for 2,600 years.